A guest at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding reveals what it was really like

Just over a month after she received her invitation in the post, 17-year-old Daniella Timperley was sitting on the lawn outside the entrance of St George's Chapel watching a string of A-list guests make their way into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.

The teenager from County Antrim in Northern Ireland was one of the 1,200 members of the public to be given access inside the grounds of Windsor castle in recognition of her charity work.

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Daniella Timperley and her mum, Marie

Daniella Timperley

Getting dressed up was all part of the fun. Timperley chose a coral-coloured dress from River Island – the perfect choice for a summer wedding. Then, after the early start to make the queue into the castle grounds at 8am, Timperley and her mum Marie secured one of the better spots on the grass to enjoy the arrivals before the bride and groom made their entrance. It was a touching reward for the four years she has spent volunteering for Women's Aid – a charity that works to end domestic abuse against women and children – and another way to celebrate the recent accolade she received at the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

By mid-morning, Timperley had already spotted George and Amal Clooney, the Beckhams, Serena Williams and Pretty Little Liars star Troian Avery Bellisario, who attended with her husband and Suits star, Patrick J Adams. 'David and Victoria stopped to wave,' she adds. 'Elton John was also greeting the crowd, although I didn't see him until he made his way out of the chapel.'

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The star-studded guest list made for some of the best people watching ever, and a welcome break from studying for her A-Levels. But for Timperley, there were really only two people she wanted to see.

'I had a really good view of Prince Harry when he walked into the chapel with William. He stopped to wave at us. He didn't look nervous to me, I thought he was very confident. I didn’t really get a good view of Meghan until after the ceremony when she and Harry got into their carriage. They both looked so happy.'

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Up until the ceremony started, which could be heard through speakers placed outside the chapel, Timperley soaked up the electric atmosphere that had swept through the Royal Borough. 'It was amazing, we made loads of friends. Everyone was so excited but very respectful of the royal family. We all stood up when the service started and when it was announced that Harry and Meghan were husband and wife, people started popping champagne and cheering. It was just crazy.'

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Once the ceremony was over, there was a chance to get a good glimpse of the newlyweds before they started their carriage ride around the town. For Timperley and the other guests outside the chapel, there was a special treat in store. 'We watched Harry and Meghan go out past us and then we got to go inside the chapel. It was just surreal. It’s so huge and much bigger than it looks from the outside. There were flower displays everywhere. They smelt amazing.'

Inside the goodie bag

As a memento for the day, each guest was given a goodie bag to take away with them. 'Inside, there was a big chocolate coin with "H&M" and the date of the wedding written on it,' Timperley says of her "lovely" gift. 'We got a beautiful cylinder of handmade shortbread as well as the order or service. And a little voucher to spend in the gift shop.'

Memorabilia aside, it's the memories of the day that will always mean the most. 'Getting invited to such an historic event is crazy,' Timperley says. 'People don’t get that opportunity very often and it's amazing to say that you have actually been there. Harry and Meghan are such a good couple and I loved celebrating their day with them.'